DETROIT, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Green Bay area officials are in Detroit, to see what it takes to put on the NFL Draft.
From the Packers themselves, to the city of Green Bay and various hospitality managers, Titletown is well represented in the Motor City leading up to the three-day event, which will take place in our area next year.
After speaking with many Detroit officials Tuesday about what it takes to put on this event, FOX 11 caught up with people from our area Wednesday.
Ashwaubenon sent Village Manager Joel Gregozeski, along with the heads of community development, public safety and public works, to Detroit. Gregozeski said draft operations aren’t exactly like what the group expected.
“It’s amazing from the standpoint of how much needs to be done yet prior to tomorrow’s draft date,” said Gregozeski.
So, I think we’re a little bit surprised by that. I think we’re also surprised by the scale of it. It’s a much larger area than what we envisioned in our mind’s eye. So, it’s going to be a big undertaking for our community when it comes to Ashwaubenon and Green Bay in 2025.”
Other representatives from our area that we know are in Detroit include leaders from Discover Green Bay, Brown County, owners of stadium district bars and of course, the Packers.
A team from Lodge Kohler checked in with a Detroit Marriott.
“They said the big thing was security,” said Aaron Hammer, general manager of Lodge Kohler.
“Can’t have enough security and really have to focus on that as part of it and then just the big demands on the food and beverage teams. Lots of food, lots of drinks. You have the big players in, of course they’re going to want to eat their way through the buffet.”
PMI Entertainment Group, which operates the Resch complex, has been meeting with security officials and businesses.
FOX 11 asked Kristy Haney of PMI whether she saw any challenges in Detroit that might be difficult to pull off for the draft in Green Bay.
“Quite the contrary. I look here and I think, you know what, they’re going to love being in Green Bay because it’s going to be an excellent experience for them for the event.”
The NFL, who met with the Packers in Detroit on Wednesday, says they’re looking forward to Titletown’s turn as host.
“We started making plans,” said Nicki Ewell, senior director of events for the NFL. “We’re excited about the work to be done. Still got a long way to go, but I think it’s something that Packers fans, the city of Green Bay, the city of Milwaukee will be proud of.”
Green Bay’s turn to play host is one year away.
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